The first trip of the ski season is always a high point of the beginning of the winter season. For our first trip we decided to go back to Mount Snow, the southernmost of Vermont's large ski resorts, located 229 miles from Brooklyn.

With 80% snowmaking capabilities, Mount Snow has a high probability for great early season conditions. After last season's disappointing snowfall, we were hoping for a better start to this year's trips.

Mount Snow delivered.

Arriving in West Dover, Vermont, on Friday night, we pulled into the Kitzhof Inn on Route 100 in the Mount Snow base area just a 1/4 mile from the lifts. The 24 bedroom inn was built in 1958 in an Alpine style and is run by Simon and Alison, the fourth owners who took over in September 2005.

Their English hospitality is evident throughout your stay. Simon's breakfasts were phenomenal and Alison was the perfect hostess. The charm of the common areas with enticing artwork throughout, a fabulous hot tub, and even retro computer games.

On Saturday, we awoke to 2" of snow which felt like a blizzard after last season. It increased the excitement as we booted up and made our way to the lifts for our first runs on Mount Snow's freshly groomed terrain.

Hopping on the Bluebird Express, the high speed six-passenger bubble lift whisked us to the summit in seven minutes. The enclosed lift was a godsend on the windy ride to the top. We rode the bubble at the end of last season at The Canyons in Park City, Utah, during a blizzard (in comfort) and were ecstatic to find the system operating on our first day at Mount Snow.

At the summit, the venerable first run trail, Long John, was open and in perfect shape. The two-mile long green trail leads to a plethora of secondary trails in all skiing levels. Unfortunately, this first day had limited terrain, but what was available was almost perfect.

For our ski team from Blandford Ski Area in Massachusetts, it was the perfect pre-season gathering for our competitors. Blandford, located just 162 miles from Brooklyn, is our home mountain. Located at the edge of the Berkshire Mountains, our opening day is projected for December 15th (weather permitting). With a shorter season, our team travels to the snow as early and as much as possible. (Read about Blandford by clicking here)

As December progresses, the search for snow is on. For those with midweek availability, Mount Snow is offering a special event on December 12th. Founders' Day celebrates Walter Schoenknecht, the National Ski Areas Association Hall of Fame member, whose vision led to the founding of Mount Snow. The first 1,000 ticket buyers for that day will pay just $12 for lift tickets. You have to buy your $12 ticket online. At the ticket window on Dec 12th, the price will be higher, much higher. Click here to reserve your ticket.

Looking for unique Brooklyn Gifts?

The SBstore has neighborhood tshirts, Brooklyn art, and an everchanging lineup of items from our member businesses.

Mark D Phillips of SouthBrooklyn.com spent twenty years as a working photojournalist. On the morning of September 11, 2001, he captured an image during the attack that came to be known as "Satan in the Smoke." This is the story of the profound effect this image had on him and the thousands of viewers who emailed him in the days and years to follow.

The first trip of the ski season is always a high point of the beginning of the winter season. For our first trip we decided to go back to Mount Snow, the southernmost of Vermont's large ski resorts, located 229 miles from Brooklyn.

With 80% snowmaking capabilities, Mount Snow has a high probability for great early season conditions. After last season's disappointing snowfall, we were hoping for a better start to this year's trips.

The exhibit, "Discovering Columbus" by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi, has become a must-see cultural attraction in New York since it opened Sept. 20, 2012.

Presented by the city's Public Art Fund, the living room around a statue rising out of a large coffee table features 1892 statue by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russonin Columbus Circle.

The immense popularity has led to a two week extension of the popular large-scale installation until December 2, 2012. Visitors climb six flights of stairs (or a service lift for the handicapped or those needing help) to come face to belt-buckle with the statue. The immensity is what surprised me. The figure commands the room and is much larger than you imagine.

Looking closely at the statue, you try to imagine what it looked like before 120 years of New York weather and pollution took their toll. The face still has character. When you look at the eyes, you feel like he is actually looking back. For those of us who are "Doctor Who" fans, you can imagine the statue moving like a weeping angel when you are not looking, or perhaps enjoying his temporary digs when no one is home.